What to See in Koh Chang
The national park of Koh Chang is a prime piece of natural heritage surrounded by dazzling azure shores. The untamed beauty of the island means that even while walking or sunbathing you are constantly in the midst of unspoiled nature. Upon opening your eyes and stepping out the door the sightseeing begins!
The island is more renowned for its virgin forrests and waterfalls than man-made structures. Inevitably as the land becomes increasingly urbanized, commercial establishments and properties are sprouting up around the island. The plus side to this being the newly-built road circling the island, connecting areas of interest and providing easy access to sights that were once difficult to reach
Mu Koh Chang National Park (Elephant Island Archipelago)
Measuring 192 square kilometers by 458 square kilometers of surrounding ocean, respectively, Koh Kood and Koh Maak are the two biggest of 52 collective of islands comprising Mu Koh Chang National Park. Less urbanised than their neighbor Koh Chang, the islands are well priced and offer great dining and resting opportunities with everything from camp sites to luxury boutique resorts available.
The UK's Sunday Times newspaper awarded Koh Maak a place in its top ten world beaches list. Easily reached by chartered boat or kayaks, visitors can choose between making their own way or going as part of an arranged tour.
Waterfalls
The several scenic waterfalls of Koh Chang make for great viewing in the months of October to November – the end of the rainy season. Than Mayom, Klong Neung (the island's tallest waterfall) Khlong Phlu, King Rama and the 12-storey Ke Rhepet can be reached fairly easily.
Visitors can either trek through to the falls via foot or mountain bike, followed by a cool-down in the plunge pool of the natural water reserves. Less impressive but none the less enjoyable waterfalls can be found in the areas of Khlong Son, White Sand Beach and Kai Bae.
Temples
For anyone visiting Thailand, Buddhist temples are an absolute must. The impressive structures are reflective of the religious background that is so dominant to the overriding culture of Thailand.
The island houses five awe-inspiring temples where the foundations of Thai culture and spirituality are worshipped. These include: Wat Khlong Nonsi, Wat Bang Bao, Wat Khlong Prao, Wat Khlong Son and a Chinese temple situated just before the Dan-May-Pier in Baan Khlong Nonsi. Tourists should note that proper clothes should be worn. Covered shoulders are mandatory at all time in places of Buddhist worship.
Koh Chang Monkey School
Something of a surreal but highly entertaining experience, the New Koh Chang Monkey School is situated at White Sand Beach. The centre features highly trained monkeys performing tricks and stunts before bemused audiences, something along the lines of a theatrically inspired monkey show.
Occurring three times daily, the school will definitely raise a few laughs from the crowd.
Koh Chang Remembrance Site
Situated in the north of Koh Chang close to Salak Petch Bay, is the area from where Thai naval troops defended the threat of the French in the Indochina War in 1941. In a failed attempt to push back the French battle ships, both the Thonburi and Chonburi were sank costing the lives of 36 Thai sailors.
The tragic event has been marked by a shrine and two buoys for divers who wish to dive amongst the wrecks. Back on the mainland in Laem Ngop resides the 'Naval Battle Monument,' featuring a museum with original photographs and three-dimensional maps.
